Canary Whitewood
Scientific name: Endospermum peltatum
Overview
Canary Whitewood is a lightweight tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific region, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. The wood is valued for its pale coloration, ease of machining, and versatility in plywood, millwork, construction, and furniture applications. Because of its relatively low density and stable working characteristics, Canary Whitewood is commonly used where lightweight workable lumber is preferred.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Canary Whitewood
- Scientific Name: Endospermum peltatum
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 25 lbs/ft³ (400 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 420 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light yellow
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Canary Whitewood is recognized for its pale cream to yellowish coloration and relatively plain grain structure. The wood generally has a uniform appearance with a lightweight feel and low natural luster compared to denser tropical hardwoods.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to light yellow coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Lightweight structure
- Medium to coarse texture
Working Properties
Canary Whitewood is considered very easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. The wood cuts cleanly, sands quickly, and accepts stains and finishes without major difficulty.
- Easy to machine and shape
- Lightweight and workable
- Good dimensional stability
- Accepts paint and finishes well
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Canary Whitewood is commonly used in lightweight woodworking and construction applications.
- Plywood
- Interior millwork
- Furniture frames
- Construction lumber
- Crates and packaging
- Light cabinetry
Sustainability & Notes
This species is widely distributed in tropical regions and is commonly used in plantation and commercial forestry operations. Availability is generally better than many slower-growing tropical hardwood species.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
White Seraya – A lightweight Southeast Asian hardwood commonly used in plywood and millwork.
Paulownia – Another lightweight Asian wood valued for easy machining and stability.
Chinese Catalpa – A pale-colored Asian hardwood often used in furniture and decorative woodworking.
Related Guides
Bocote vs. Ziricote – Compare two of Mexico’s most striking hardwoods, examining differences in color, grain patterns, workability, durability, stability, and the woodworking projects each species is best suited for.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Covers stabilization and moisture control before woodworking use.
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood – Explains sourcing differences and sustainability practices in tropical lumber production.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Canary Whitewood is valued more for educational comparison and utility woodworking than for dramatic grain figure. Lightweight clean samples are especially useful in collections that compare tropical hardwood density and structural variation.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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